Marilyn Jackson, owner of Marilyn Jackson’s Accessories Unlimited, was presented the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women’s 2015 Woman of Achievement Award on Monday.

“This award is what the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women is all about,” Jackson said. “It goes in (Accessories Unlimited), because it’s about business and helping women. I came to the meeting thinking I was going to accept for someone else who could not be here, but I am flattered.”

Jackson said her husband, state Sen. Ed Jackson, coerced her into attending the meeting, and she only realized she would be accepting the award when Jackie Utley said the recipient has been named the Woman of the Year by Altrusa International, and a BPW Sterling Award winner.

“Marilyn Jackson understands the importance of women helping women, and does her best to serve as a role model and mentor to women,” Utley said. “Through her volunteerism, professional career and mentoring, she truly embodies the Business and Professional Women’s motto, ‘Women Helping Women,’ (and) we are pleased to present her with this award.”

After the award presentation, Beverly Absher spoke to the Business and Professional Women about EQ, or Emotional Intelligence. Absher is associate vice president for auxiliary operations and chairwoman of the Department of Continuing Studies at Union University.

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Beverly Absher, Union University chairwoman of the Department of Continuing Studies, presented "What Is Your Emotional Intelligence" during the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women's Brown Bag Lunch on Monday.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)

“In the past, a person’s IQ was looked upon as the primary determinant of success. However, researchers now know that while IQ is one element of success, an even greater predictor of success is a person’s emotional intelligence," Absher said. “A person’s Emotional Quotient (EQ) accounts for about two-thirds of the abilities deemed necessary for superior performance in leaders. EQ refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions.”

Absher made her remarks using the topic “What is your Emotional Intelligence?” when she addressed the Business and Professional Women at the Jackson-Madison County Library as part of National Business Women’s Week. A different topic will be discussed at noon each day through Friday of this week at brown bag lunches at the library.

Peter Salovey and John Mayer were the first people to formalize the definition of EQ — to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions; and recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others.

In practical terms, this means being aware that emotions can drive our behavior and affect people (positively and negatively), and learning how to manage those emotions — both our own and others' — especially when we are under pressure.

Absher said childhood is a critical time to develop Emotional Intelligence, but adults can improve their EQ by as much as 40 percent. She listed 10 ways for people to enhance their EQ now:

Pay attention to what you are feeling — be aware of your moods and emotions.

Connect your feelings and your thoughts.

Take responsibility for your feelings and behavior.

Write down your thoughts and feelings.

Consider what others may be feeling, and try to understand why.

Practice responding rather than reacting.

Practice empathizing with yourself.

Learn to empathize with others.

Find ways to stay motivated.

Create a positive environment — be sure to make time to notice what is going well.

“Obviously, with greater academic success, to some degree you start off in a good job,” Absher said. “However, as individuals develop a greater emotional intelligence, they are more trusted and likable, tend to perform better in their jobs, have better mental health, and are generally happier and more successful.”

For additional information about the brown bag lunch presentations or the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women, please call (731) 423-2234.

Reach David Thomas at (731) 425-9637. Follow him on Twitter: @dgthomasbiz

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The Jackson Area Business and Professional Women held their first Brown Bag Lunch Presentation for National Business Women’s Week on Monday afternoon at the library.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)